Abstract:
This book consists of 150 original triolets composed by Vassar W. Smith, an inmate at Calipatria State Prison. These highly entertaining poems cover a broad spectrum ranging from righteous indignation at injustices in the criminal justice system to triolets inspired by famous statements, historical figures and events, literary characters, folklore, etc. They vividly reflect the poet’s extensive knowledge of history, mythology, religion, literature and science, spanning many an intellectual and emotional gamut from humor, philosophical reflection, and outrage, to heartbreaking sadness. Composed between the spring of 2000 and January, 2006, all were written in Calipatria, California; hence, the title.